Later, Moto Guzzi adopted a more restrained approach with the Le Mans, transforming it into a more laid-back yet still highly successful sports tourer. Regardless of the specific model or generation of Moto Guzzi Le Mans you’re dealing with, converting this bike into a cafe racer is an attractive proposition.
Michael Hammer, founder of bespoke German bike manufacturer Hammer Kraftrad, has a deep understanding of the rich history surrounding the iconic Moto Guzzi Le Mans model. A passionate aficionado of the iconic café racer style. Given the opportunity, he will always gravitate towards a restaurant complex whenever a Lamborghini comes his way. Initially, building a Le Mans cafe racer wasn’t his primary objective?
I purchased a vintage Le Mans 3 model car from Karl. “A long-time friend and valued customer,” says Michael. With precision-crafted components and a dash of innovative flair, this was indeed the second bespoke bicycle crafted by your skilled hands for his esteemed owner.
Initially, the unlikely duo didn’t contemplate embarking on a bespoke construction project. The donor was a reliable working bicycle, situated at an extremely affordable price point. As an alternative, they chose to install a minimalist roofline above the existing structure, requiring some subtle customization to ensure a seamless integration. Despite initial progress, the challenge suddenly took an unexpected turn.
Following Karl’s stunning revelation, Michael was left with an unmissable gas tank that had undergone a thorough transformation, modifying each component. Karl had acquired a unique aluminum racing souvenir from Germany’s prestigious WBO racing team. As WBO didn’t manufacture tanks and their sleek design meshed perfectly with the iconic Le Mans silhouette, this unexpected pairing proved a crucial component in the challenge. One potential pitfall was ensuring the Guzzi looked cohesive when viewed at home.
– Michael Hammer.
Following another productive meeting with Karl, we gained approval for a substantial array of transformations. Starting with the robust Le Mans solid wheels, Michael swapped out his existing setup for a standard
Competizione. As for consumption, the optimized carburetors draw in air effortlessly via precision-machined alloy velocity stacks.
There is no indication of a distinct Le Mans-inspired three-speed gearbox anywhere in the bodywork. Crafted with meticulous precision, unique and intricately shaped pieces of art emerge from Michael’s skilled hands. At the outset, a sleek alloy bikini fairing greets the eye, paying homage to the iconic 1976 Le Mans model’s distinctive design. Beneath the sleek ride, a tailored fender precariously teeters above the entrance wheel, secured by a refined alloy fork bracket. At the rear of the frame, an additional layer of meticulously hand-beaten alloy serves as both the seat base and tail unit. The retro-style brake light and license plate mount recesses neatly into the tail, securing the oversized German-issued license plate with precision.
